It has long been known for its engineering prowess and attention to detail. So it may come as a surprise that the company has used the exact tire size, 195/65R15, on nearly every car it has produced for years. However, this decision was not made by accident or mistake, rather it was a deliberate and carefully considered choice. This frame size was used for several factors, including cost, performance, and the desire for consistency across the company’s product line. As with most Volkswagen stories, this one begins with Ferdinand Piech.
Why does Volkswagen use 195/65r15 tires?
During Ferdinand Piech’s tenure at Audi and then Volkswagen, he cornered the market by specific tire size. Starting in 1991 100, and under the direction of Piech as Technical Director, the brand started using 195/70/15 tires to compete with Mercedes and BMW. The purpose of this tire size is that they are narrow enough to reduce drag yet wide enough for good vehicle driving dynamics. The use of these tires in the Audi 100 meant that the brand needed these tires more than other automakers.
. So while you might be hard pressed to find 15-inch wheels on new cars, they are still found on most Volkswagens of the past three decades.
Who is Ferdinand Piech?
Ferdinand Piech was a prominent figure in the automotive industry, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Volkswagen Group from 1993 to 2002. Piech was born in Austria in 1937 into a family with a rich automotive history. He went on to study engineering and got his Ph.D. In the field. Piech began his career at Porsche, where he played a crucial role in the development of the racing car. The 917 has become one of the most successful racing cars in history. After a brief stint at Audi, Piech joined Volkswagen in 1993 and quickly turned the company around.
Under his leadership, Volkswagen acquired many other car brands, including Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini. He also introduced successful new models, such as the Volkswagen Golf and. Despite his many accomplishments, Bish was a controversial figure. He was known for his demanding leadership style and his sometimes abrasive relations with colleagues. Beach, unfortunately, died in 2019 at the age of 82. He issued a tribute to his trademark lifetime achievement.
What does 195 65 mean on the tire?
Each number on the tire indicates the dimensions of the tire. The first number is measured in millimeters and determines how wide the tire should be. Second, the middle number represents the percentage of the first number. The percentage is how “high” the tire is, or how long the sidewall is. Finally, the final number represents the inside diameter. This diameter is how you find the right tire for the wheel size on the vehicle. If you’re looking for a used set of 195/65R15 tires, look no further than most from the past 30 years.
